Focus Question 1: Teachers, Knowledge, Building Relationships: Invitation and Hospitality
Core Questions: Using your own educational experiences to date, how did you see teachers honouring different ways of knowing and doing in the classroom? In what ways did teachers build a sense of community in the classroom? In what ways can teachers build hospitable and invitational educational environments and relationships with all students?

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I have had teachers in the past who have incorporated lots of cultural activities into their lessons to demonstrate different ways of knowing and doing in the classroom. For example, in elementary school, I had a teacher who was Metis and taught us a bit about hoop dancing and the significance of the poses. Likewise, many teachers brought in Indigenous guest speakers and residential school survivors to share their stories. Another way I experienced diverse ways of knowing and doing was through educational field trips promoting place-based or hands-on learning. Simply just going to places like the science centre or the museum provided this opportunity. My past teachers have also built a sense of community in the classroom in various ways. I remember having classroom versus classroom reading competitions. The class that read the most books would have a pizza party reward. Everyone was working towards a shared goal, which produced an inviting and cooperative environment. Class field trips also created a sense of community. My teachers would always tell us that we needed to represent our school positively. It made my peers and I proud to be part of my school. Essentially, I found that any activity involving the entire class brought us, students, closer. As a teacher, it is crucial to build welcoming environments and build relationships with all students. First, they can do this by creating a safe space for their students. Teachers should be willing to actively listen to their students and allow them to have a voice. They should encourage students to share their thoughts and opinions, letting them know they are valid. Next, I think it is essential for teachers to spend time getting to know their students on a personal level. This will allow them to better detect irregular behaviour in students, maybe signaling something is going on in the student’s life. I believe there is no such thing as a “lazy” person/student. It is rather one’s life circumstances influencing levels of motivation. The sooner teacher can notice and recognize this, the sooner they can provide means for assistance if needed. Getting to know students begins with simply learning their names, then consistently building the relationship from there. Last, it is important for teachers to encourage student success. Remaining positive and providing ample reassurance is a necessity.